Police warn of foxes in town

Published 7:45 am, Saturday, August 23, 2014

The City of Canyon Animal Control has answered numerous complaints about foxes roaming throughout the community. Animal Control in the past, has tried to capture these animals in specialized traps intended for wildlife, with no success. Adult foxes are not easy to catch. Capturing a litter of fox pups isn’t that difficult, but as these animals get older, they get smarter.

The City of Canyon has solicited the assistance from the Texas Parks and Wildlife on fox problems in neighborhoods. The two organizations have been “out foxed,” so to speak. Together, they have been unable to capture the adult animals. The shooting of these animals is not an option in Canyon.

Foxes have adapted well to areas populated by humans including local neighborhoods. They are solitary and do not usually live or hunt in packs. They are very smart and incredibly resourceful animals. Foxes will eat fish, amphibians, garbage and pet food, among other things.

Fox dens have been found under sheds or decks. One way to rid the animals from property is to repair skirting around these structures. Animal control has also noticed that bedding areas are interrupted by the spread of human scent. Walking through suspected bedding areas may discourage the animal from repeatedly visiting a property.